Inside University College

OLD SCHOOL UC MEMORIES

This past July 4th weekend was quite enjoyable as the weather cooperated and everyone in the Greater Fairfield was given the nicest weekend we have seen all summer long.  I found myself at a bbq at a house across the street from Fairfield Beach on July 4th with some friends, family, family friends, and strangers. It was an enjoyable event and it provided me with a great view of the fireworks.

While at the BBQ, I struck up a conversation with a dear friend of my parents, Nancy.  When my family first moved to Fairfield in 1980, Nancy and her husband were our next door neighbors.  They instantly became like family to all of us, and although they moved to Floida in 1984, and Texas a few years after that (and subsequently back to Florida), they remain best friends with my parents nearly thirty years later and spend much of their summers with them up on Cape Cod.  

Nancy told me about how in 1980, after having lived in Fairfield for only a few months, she felt the urge to pursue her lifelong passion for studying art.  Prior to getting married and having children, she was enrolled in a college out in Ohio, but- as is ofen the case- life got in the way and she never completed her studies.  Nancy found herself at Sacred Heart University as a part-time student, a wife and a mother of three young children, studying art and graphic design.  In her words, Sacred Heat University had "the best adult studies program in the area" and the one that offered the most flexibility for adults with families.  Of course, I told Nancy that I think we still have the best and most flexible adult studies program in the area.

It was interesting to hear her stories about what SHU was like nearly thirty years ago.  She remembers taking classes in the basement of the main academic building, and she recalled fondly the rapport she had with her art instructors and her diverse classmates.  Initially, she had planned to take only one or two classes for her own personal enrichment, but she was so taken by the school and the program that she eventually completed more than a dozen art courses a SHU.

In 1984, her husband was offered a job in Florida, and Nancy left SHU and Fairfield.  Since then, however, she has been very successful doing freelance graphic design work.  She informed me that- had she not left the area all those years ago- she would have liked to finish her degree at SHU.  I then went into recruiter mode (even on a national holiday!) and informed her that I could check her transcript and see how close to completion she is.  Perhaps she might want to consider taking some online classes and work toward finally getting that degree all those years later.   I found myself repeating that familiar line that I often say to people here in my office, "It's never too late, you know!" 

Nancy chuckled and said that although she didn't receive a degree from SHU, she learned incredibly valuable skills that she has carried with her all these years later and throughout her successful career.  Still, the  next time I see her I will bring along a registration form and part-time applicaion...Just in case!

AT LONG LAST...THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE VIDEO!

I know that you haven't heard much from me of late.  Well don't take it personally.  The truth is, I have been quite busy.  While the rest of SHU slows down a little during the summer months, University College is busier than ever.  But I found a few free moments today, so I figured it would be a great idea to blog to all of you.
I have been working on several projects of late, but I am perhaps proudest of the one that was just completed: a promotional video chronicling University College students here at Sacred Heart.
Back in my younger years as a student at SHU, I was a Media Studies major, and have remained quite fond of the program.  After brainstorming a little with my old professor (he is not old, but I say "old" simply because it's been a decade since he had me in his class), Greg, we decided that a video profiling some of our diverse and interesting part-time students would be a good idea.
I chose a few students who I thought would be comfortable in front of the camera and have a good story to tell.  Greg chose one of his students, Mike, to handle the filming of the project.  The questions were scripted, the shooting schedule coordinated, and we were in business.
Of course, I'm simplifying everything a little.  Hours were spent viewing the footage, and finding just the right parts to use.  Finally, we arrived at a finished product that seemed perfect.  And then we realized we had a problem: our part-time students had so much to say that the video was just too long. Greg stepped in, and did an amazing job of trimming the video down to just over three minutes.
The finished product is quite impressive, and it could not have been done without the help of Greg and Mike, and the six wonderful UC students who agreed to be interviewed.  These are just six of many terrific and diverse part-time students at Sacred Heart University.  I consider myself fortunate to be their advisor. 
But enough about me...Watch the video!
Here is the link:

www.sacredheart.edu/ucvideo.cfm

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE GRADUATES!

This is an interesting and exciting time of year here on campus at Sacred Heart University, and for that matter, at college campuses all across the country.  For some students (and some faculty!), it symolizes the end of another semester.  And for seniors, it is a time to reflect on the last few years, before donning the cap and gown and processing.

I can't help but think back to my own graduation from Sacred Heart University back in May of 2000.  While the weather didn't exactly cooperate, it was a wonderful ceremony, held in what was then the brand new Pitt Center.  Nine years later, I find myself back on campus (albeit in a much different role and participating in yet another commencement ceremony.  Things certainly have come full circle and I am keeping my fingers crossed for sunny skies!

University College graduates have taken a long road to get to commencement.  Some of them started their studies many years ago and took a bit of a detour, while others started just a few years ago and reached the finish line quicker than they ever thought they would have.  Some UC graduates will wake up Monday morning and go back to the job that they have had for some time now, pleased and satisfied that they finally received a bachelor's.  Others may decide that- armed with the degree- it is time to see what else is out there.  And there are even some who may decide to go on to pursue a master's degree.

Regardless of whether you are a UC student, or a full-time student at SHU (or perhaps even another institution), you should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.  On behalf of the rest of the University College staff, congratulations and best of luck in whatever your next endeavour(s) may be.

ANNOUNCING THE UC SUMMER KICKOFF EVENT!

While many folks who I know are complaining that- once again- we seemed to have skipped over spring on gone straight to summer with this crazy unseasonably warm weather that we are currently experiencing, I am quite happy.  There is a sense of summertime all around the campus here in Fairfield, and I'm not simply referring to the weather (which is supposed to be about 77 and sunny today FYI).

Students are winding down their studies for the semester, burying their noses in books (some of them doing so at the beach this past weekend!) in preparation for finals, and the rest of the University College staff and I are doing plenty of registering for summer courses.  This is an exciting time for one and all, and while many departments on college campuses get some downtime from mid-May to mid-August, things remain consistently busy for us.

In honor of what was a very exciting academic year here at the UC, I am organizing an event in celebration of these exciting last two semesters and the arrival of the summer.  Stragenly, none of us really know what to call this event; calling it a "mixer" makes it sound like a middle school dance, and calling it a "cocktail party" would suggest that people need to get all dolled up to attend.  So I am simply referring to this event as "The First Annual University College Summer Kickoff."  This will be a casual and informal gathering of UC staff, some other faculty and staff members from around campus, and of course, University College students.  Here's a chance to mingle, have a glass of wine or punch, nibble on some cheese and crackers, and just let your hair down and exhale now that the long spring semester has ended.  I am still trying to decide whether or not that giant inflatable palm tree pictured above will be present at the party.  I am open to your thoughts on that, readers.

As an extra added attraction, this event will also serve as the "premiere" of a new promotional video which focuses on several University College students and will be streaming on our website in the near future.  So if you are a current part-time University College here at SHU, and are at least 21 years of age (which nearly all of you are!), please join us.   I have listed all of the necessary information below and I do hope to see you there:

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SUMMER KICKOFF!

Date: May 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 - 8:30pm

Where: Mahogany Room (main Academic Building)

Mingle with your classmates, University College
staff members & meet new friends. 
Stop by before class, after class, or stay the entire evening.

Fun, Summer food and drinks.  Dress code casual

PREMIER SCREENING of our University College website video!

 Please RSVP to Rosa Rodriguez by May 12, 2009
Email: Rodriguezr1258@sacredheart.edu

YES, I'M STILL HERE!

No, I have not forgotten about this blog and no, I haven't given up on blogging.  I know it has been some time since I reported to all of you from my office here on Park Avenue in Fairfield, but things have been incredibly busy here.  I must say, though, that busy is good.  We are registering, advising, recruiting, looking toward the summer, looking toward the fall, etc. etc. 

I received an email yesterday from SHU's Web Content Office with information regarding all of the SHU blogs.  According to these statistics (which I'm going to assume are correct), this blog- Inside University College- has been the third most read blog over the last week or so.  Why the sudden increase in readers? I have no clue.  And given the fact that I haven't written a new post in over a month, this surge in readership baffles me.  But, hey, I'm not complaining.

The folks from the Web Content Office were also sure to stress in the email that all SHU bloggers should "try to post at the very minimum at least once a week." And, yes, they did boldface the "very minimum."  As they should; blogging is an important medium these days and it's a good idea for us to stay on top of these things.  Still, when things are as busy as they have been, once a week may be a little tricky for me.  I will try my best, though.

As far as other mediums are concerned, I've thought about a "Twittering" for SHU and University College, but I'm not so sure how exciting that will be for all of you to read.  Unless, of course, you like reading things like "Jon just registered someone for six credits in AHEAD Term 3...Isn't that amazing?" or "Jon can't believe how many Fall '09 classes already have waitlists!" 

So for now, I will continue to blog and-hopefully- blog often.  And though it's about 45 degrees outside and it actually snowed earlier today, spring is most certainly here and all is well.  In less than a month, the Spring '09 semester will be over and we will be gearing up for the first of our three summer sessions.  And while we're talking about things coming up, remember that April 15th is the start of Spring 2010 registration (and your taxes are due!)

Finally, have a wonderful and relaxing Easter break.  Classes aren't in session, and even our offices are closed for a few days. But we'll be back on Tuesday April 14th, refreshed and ready.

- JD

ANNOUNCING SUMMER '09 COURSES (and another radio appearance!)

After the mother of all snowstorms hit the Northeast on Monday, it's safe to say that just about anyone and everyone has had enough of winter weather.  With that in mind, last week's unveiling of summer courses here at SHU could not have come at a better time.  Folks are tired of the cold, and are dreaming of warmer weather and sandy beaches (if this all sounds familiar, it's because I've blogged about this a few times of late).

So summer courses are finally up, and there's plenty for people to choose from.  Whether you are one of my part-time undergrad advisees, a full-time SHU student looking to take a class or two over the summer, or a visiting student home for the summer looking to get some credits transfered to your regular university, there's something for everyone with our Summer '09 offerings.

First up we have the Late Spring Intensive; the ideal choice for those wishing to get in, get the job done at a very accelerated pace, and have the rest of their summer ahead of them.  The majority of these classes begin on May 18th and wrap-up on June 4th.  Most of the choices are offered here in Fairfield or in the online format. 

Late Spring a little too soon and a little too instense for you? Not to worry; on the heels of that is the ever-popular Summer I.  These courses start during the second week of June and wrap-up in mid-July.  With more than three dozen courses being offered, there are plenty to choose from and a little something for everyone.  There is even a course offered down in Stamford, and one in Luxembourg (should you find yourself for whatever reason over in Europe in June).  You can complete a Summer I course and still have plenty of summer ahead of you for vacation or relaxation.

Finally, we come to Summer II.  You've worked hard and played hard all summer long, and your skin is starting to look unhealthy from all of the sun you have been getting.  You're bored and need something to get you back in the swing of things.  Summer II may just do the trick.  There's plenty of Fairfield and online offerings to choose from, as well as a couple down in Stamford.

To learn more about the summer courses, simply go to www.sacredheart.edu.  From there you can click on the link for WebAdvisor, and take a look at all of the offerings.  Or you can simply call (203)371-7830 to speak to an advisor.

To hear even more about all of the exciting happenings here at University College, tune-in to WICC 600 am tomorrow night.  I will be interviewed during halftime of the SHU Men's Basketball game (though I'm not quite sure this interview could be considered "The Halftime Show").  I'm told that the interview will occur sometime around 7:30-7:45.  So turn on your radio, or simply go to www.WICC600.com to listen online.

TAKE A LOOK AHEAD

 

While folks are chomping at the bit for our summer offerings, those have still yet to be posted.  But they will be within the next week or so, so sit tight.  To get to the summer, though, (and believe me- I want to get to the summer!), one needs to get through spring.  Consider spring as a lovely flower-lined bridge that connects you to the glorious months of June, July, August, and part of September.

So for those folks who are salivating and looking to take a class, why wait until the summer?   Appearing on the horizon more immediately are various courses that will begin in March, just as the winter is turning into spring.  We like to call this term "AHEAD 4." 

These accelerated, seven week courses, are the perfect way to make it through that final stretch of winter and get you motivated in time for the spring.  In fact, these classes (which start in about four weeks) wrap-up in early May; just in time for the nice weather.

There are nearly twenty different courses to choose from in AHEAD 4, with offerings as diverse as Art in the Western World, Business Ethics, Introduction to Media Studies, Religion in America, and many more! And you have choices based on your location and preference as there are courses offered in Fairfield, Stamford, and Online.

So why not make the time pass a little quicker during the remainder or this cold winter by getting yourself registered for an AHEAD course?  Before you know it, you'll have a few more credits under your belt, the sun will be shining, and the temperature will have gone from a high of 32 to 75.  Sounds nice, doesn't it?

For more information on how to register for an AHEAD 4 course, or to speak with an advisor, call 203.371.7830.

- JD

50 CENT IS COMING TO SHU: COME AND PARTY LIKE IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY...

As the winter drags on and on and you are immersed in your part-time studies here at Sacred Heart, it's nice to have something to look forward to.  I- for one- like to pepper the winter months with sporadic "events" to pass the cold and dark days and nights- a trip to NYC, a few days spent in a warmer climate, a night out consiting of a good dinner and a concert, etc. 

On March 27th, '50 Cent,' one of the world's most famous rappers, is coming to perform here on campus at the William H. Pitt Center.  And while that is technically spring and not winter, consider this to be a good opportuninty to let your hair down (those of you who have some), and celebrate the end of winter or the beginning of spring.  You've worked hard all semester, so why not enjoy yourself?

Born Curtis James Jackson III in Queens, this Farmington, Connecticut resident gained international acclaim after the release of his incredibly successful 2003 debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which featured the chart-topping hit single, "In 'da Club."   

Since then, '50 Cent' has released other successful albums, as well as starring in the semi-autobiographical film, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."  He also appeared opposite Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro in the 2008 film, "Righteous Kill," which was filmed all throughout Bridgeport.

I'm often asked by my advisees if part-time students can participate in various on campus events and actitivities.  The answer to that question is almost always "yes!"  Part-time undergraduate students are entitled to many of the same benefits as full-timers.  They are an important part of this campus and they might as well take advantage of student life on campus.  Even better is the fact that- as students- they are entitled to discounted tickets for events of this sort.

So if '50 Cent' and rap is your thing, refer to the picture above for more information, or stay tuned to www.sacredheart.edu for more information.

- Jon De Benedictis

SPRING SEMESTER/COLD WINTER

The title says it all, really.  Today was the kick-off of the Spring 2009 semester here at Sacred Heart University.  And at University College, things have been quite busy because of that.

Yet I've always found it odd how the semester that starts in late-January is considered spring.  The temperatures have been frigid of late (with some sub-zero lows last week) and it seems like we are getting a couple of inches of snow every other day.  And while the days fly by when I'm in my office, they don't seem to fly by on my calendar.  It's still January 20th, which means that we have two more months of winter. 

Perhaps it's called the Spring Semester to lift all of our spirits during the dreary, cold winter days and nights.  It's nice to know that spring is in fact right around the corner.  Some might argue that eight weeks is not quite right around the corner, but we'll get there sooner or later.

The important thing to keep in mind is that eventhough we are starting the semester in the middle of January, where snow covers the ground of our campus, we'll wrap-up the semester in the midst of- hopefully- sunshine, green grass, and flowers in bloom.

There's talk of Summer Session courses being announced in the coming weeks, and that's a sure sign that we can't be that far off.  But before we can get there, we have to get through the rest of this semester.  And if you think it's too late to register for a course for the Spring '09 semester, you are mistaken.  Sure, classes began this morning, but why not take a class that meets on Mondays (because of yesterday's holiday, Monday courses get started a week later)?  Or perhaps you can take a class that meets every other Saturday.

Part-time adult students have a lot going on in their lives, so many of them tend to wait until the last minute to register for classes (believe me, this I know to be very true!).  We're aware of that, and therefore we are more than happy to offer some flexibilty.  Heck, if January is too soon, why not take a seven-week accelerated course that will begin in March?  You have plenty of options.  This is the perfect time of year to take a class or two as credit toward a degree, or even just personal enrichment.

March is still a little ways away, and May is even further away.  Until we do feel the warmth of the sun and see the green grass on campus, enjoy the picture I've put at the top of this post which captures student life here at SHU as the Spring Semester winds down;  it's something for all of us to look forward to. 

A NEW YEAR & A RADIO APPEARANCE

  Greetings, readers!   Long time, no write.  And while I wish I had a clever excuse as to why I haven't blogged for nearly a month, the fact of the matter is that things have been quite busy here at UC. 

Christmas snuck up on us very quickly and that was followed by a (much needed!) break.  But here I am, writing once again to all of you. 

First of all, Happy New Year!  I sincerely hope that the holidays were good and- more importantly- that 2009 brings you all that you wish for.

When working in academia, one must always have their eyes pointed looking toward the near future.  So while we are gearing up for the start of the Spring '09 semester, we are chomping at the bit for our three summer sessions (more about that in the coming weeks).  Heck, just a few weeks ago I met with a couple of colleagues to discuss Fall '09.  How's that for looking ahead?

Another interesting tidbit of info that I would like to share with all of you is that I just found out that I will be on the radio tomorrow afternoon, talking about SHU and- specifically- University College.

Bobby Ramos, who hosts a Sunday night sports show on WICC 600AM, is filling-in this week for the regular afternoon host, David Smith.  Ramos, a local police officer, has proven himself to be a good friend of University College as he has helped my colleague, Ellen Kovar, in her recruiting efforts with the Stratford Police Department.  Well what better way to recruit than to get out there on the airwaves and open my big mouth?

While the show lasts from 1-4 pm, Bobby tells me that I am scheduled to go on at 3:38.  So you can tune-in at that time, though I suggest listening to the entire show.

If you don't have a radio in your office or live too far away to receive WICC on your AM, then go to their website to listen live:

http://www.wicc600.com/

So if you get the chance tomorrow, tune-in and listen your Yours Truly.   Talk about an interesting way to kick off '09!